Good to see this pub reopened as itís been shut for a couple of months. The previous landlord left at the end of last year having been there for around twenty years and decided to pack in the licensed trade after being unable to agree reasonable terms with his pubco. As such, I feared that this would become just another closed pub statistic. Happily thatís not the case, and itís now got Elvis at the helm who was at the New Inn at Backwell a couple of years back.

Although having been closed for refurbishment, not much seems to have changed. Itís had a lick of paint and a new bar counter, but that seems to be about it. Possibly this may still be work in progress though, some of it still looks a little unfinished. Thereís a nice beer garden just next to the pub with an attractive water feature. Staff were all very friendly, and it was good to see the place busy on a recent Friday evening. The nice weather probably helped, with most punters being out in the garden, although a few preferred to stay inside and play darts.

Beers on this occasion were Butcombe, Doombar, Courage Best, Otter Ale and Tribute. Ciders were Thatcherís Traditional & Blackthorn. Apparently Symonds Founders Reserve is also coming soon, although I suspect this may displace the Blackthorn.